Wearing it well

It seems that telling the world that you look like a duvet is one way to popularity. Domesticali responded to my last post with one of her own, and a rather braver-than-me photographic display.

I've been thinking a bit recently (big birthday last month, remember?) about how I look as I age, and how the super-stylish person I always hoped to be has largely failed to materialise in the 40 years I have been waiting around for her.

Last November I took part - briefly - in the Working Closet flickr pool, which is explained far better here than I could by the fragrant (well, I've never actually smelled her, but she gives that impression) Susan at Friday Playdate. Basically, it's a group of women who post a picture of what they're wearing every day in order to give other people ideas.

My main problem with it, as a mainly US project, was that I hadn't heard of any of the shops. I didn't know the difference between Target and J Crew, though clearly they did. I pottered in, in my White Stuff jumper and my Monsoon skirt, and no-one knew what I was talking about either.

But taking a photo a day was really interesting, because it made me think about what I was putting on. I made more of an effort, and tried not to wear the same thing two days in a row for fear of boring the Americans to tears.

Even taking a daily photo just for myself so far this month has had a similar effect. I'm a woman on a budget; the majority of my clothes are either from charity shops or are ones I've had for years. Some of these things I have altered: a shortened maxi skirt, something ponced up with a bit of ric rac braid. I'm not - all modesty aside - incredibly visually creative or skilled at sewing. (I'm more likely to take alterations to the menders). What I am is skint, slightly overweight, and a bit bored of letting these two things stop me looking my best.

I've been doing it for myself so far, but I have also created a private group on flickr of my daily photos. So far it's just me and Domesticali - but if you want to join in - even just with the occasional 'What do you REALLY think about this?' picture, email me (email address on my profile). So many of us are wearing quite exciting things that we have pulled out of the wardrobe so many times we have become jaded - showing them to an appreciative new eye can only be a boost.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I do have to change out of these pyjamas.